Blue Jays’ Power and Dodgers’ Struggles: Key MLB Insights

The 2025 World Series continues with a matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, shifting to Dodger Stadium for Game 3. After two games in Toronto, the series stands at one win for each team. Here’s a breakdown of key insights from the matchups so far and what each team needs to do moving forward.

Performance Highlights and Key Players

One standout in the series has been Dodger pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He achieved a rare feat by throwing consecutive complete games in the postseason, a first since Curt Schilling in 2001. His performance in Game 2 was pivotal for Los Angeles’ chances in the series.

Dodgers catcher Will Smith also made an impact, hitting a go-ahead home run in Game 2, showcasing his resilience and skills despite recovering from an injury. Meanwhile, Blue Jays’ Alejandro Kirk has demonstrated solid defense and offensive performance, setting a strong foundation for his team.

Blue Jays’ Bullpen Surprises

• The Toronto bullpen has exceeded expectations by conceding only four runs in 7⅓ innings across the first two games.
• Most of these runs came during a blowout in Game 1, indicating potential for improvement as the series progresses.

Dodgers’ Offense Struggles

The Dodgers’ big hitters, including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, have not performed well, combining for just four hits in 21 at-bats so far. This offensive slump has raised concerns, especially as they prepare to play at home.

Freeman, in particular, has struggled once again as he enters the series with limited production from previous playoff rounds. In contrast, Ohtani has shown flashes of power but has also faced high strikeout numbers this postseason.

Key Matchups in Game 3

Game 3 is set to feature starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Tyler Glasnow. Glasnow will depend on his impressive curveball, which has been a significant weapon in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Scherzer aims to leverage his experience, looking to improve from previous playoff appearances.

Strategies for Game 3

What the Dodgers Need to Succeed

• Immerse their starters deeper into games to limit bullpen exposure.
• Capitalize on the offensive talents of their leading hitters, aiming for better batting averages and run production.
• Prioritize strikeouts against the Blue Jays to capitalize on their aggressive hitting.

Blue Jays’ Path to Victory

• Replicate the aggressive offensive approach observed in Game 1, targeting Dodgers’ starter Blake Snell early.
• Maintain impeccable fielding; the Blue Jays have gone 67 innings without committing an error.
• Force lengthy at-bats to exhaust Dodgers’ pitchers and diminish the effectiveness of their bullpen.

As the teams head to Los Angeles for Game 3, the shifting dynamics of this series promise an exciting battle as both the Blue Jays aim to claim the series lead, while the Dodgers fight to assert their dominance at home.